Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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WOODSTOCK, Alabama - Auto supplier
MöllerTech has completed work on a $46.3 million Alabama manufacturing facility that will create 222 jobs and serve as a flagship plant for a company with operations around the world.

Top MöllerTech executives joined state and local leaders for a grand opening ceremony today at the new 150,000-square-foot facility in the Woodstock community's Scott G. Davis Industrial Park, just minutes away from the massive Mercedes-Benz assembly plant in Tuscaloosa County.

"This new state-of-the-art plant has been a tremendous effort for everyone involved," said Dr. Gunther Schmidt, CEO of parent company MöllerGroup.

At the start of the month, the Port of Mobile had no money lined up for a new auto-handling facility that could have an economic impact throughout the state and beyond. Two weeks later, thanks to two separate federal grants, it has more than $40 million.

Jimmy Lyons, Director and CEO of the Alabama State Port Authority (ASPA), said this week that the new docks feature will be a game-changer. His remarks also give some insight into what's ahead for the RESTORE Act process bringing hundreds of millions of dollars in Deepwater Horizon money to Mobile and Baldwin counties.

What the Port of Mobile stands to gain is a type of loading facility called "roll on-roll off," or Ro-Ro for short. It lets new cars, military vehicles and other rolling stock be driven directly onto or off of specialized ships. Lyons is eager to see those ships join the traffic using his port, and not because they're pretty.

In recent years, meetings of the Mobile Airport Authority have barely made a blip on the media's radar screen. Reporters rarely saw much of interest on the agenda. Nor did the flying public, for that matter.

But then came February's surprise from
ViaAir, and everything changed.

With up to $150,000 on the line and expert judges deciding the winners, this competition is high stakes for six early-stage companies.

Beyond the competing startup teams, the event features a meet and greet and also a panel discussion. The night concludes at 7:30 p.m., with an after party. Join us at the Finale, powered by imerge and presented by the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce!

Startup founders and entrepreneurs planning on joining the pitch competition at the Rise of the Rest tour stop in Birmingham on May 9 should get those applications in order. The deadline to submit an application for this year's tour is March 20.

There is an opportunity for a startup to win $100,000. Companies within 100 miles of Birmingham can
apply online as long as they meet the criteria. Click
here for more information.

Check out the video of Shipt Founder Bill Smith talking about the importance of the Rise of the Rest tour in Birmingham.